Dhaka: Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao today announced China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, particularly focusing on agriculture, jute, marine fisheries, and research.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Wang Wentao, who led a delegation of Chinese businesspeople and industrialists at the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade in Dhaka, made these remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The minister praised Bangladesh’s development direction and expressed Chinese companies’ increased confidence in investing in the country following recent initiatives.
The Chinese minister highlighted the potential for consumer market growth in Bangladesh, noting the vibrant shopping scene in local malls and projecting Bangladesh to become the ninth largest consumer market by 2030. The Chief Adviser pointed out untapped opportunities in Bangladesh’s rural areas, especially in agriculture and fisheries, and suggested that Chinese collaboration could transform villages into productive units.
Wang Wentao expressed interest in exploring full-scale cooperation in agriculture, including farmland development, water conservation, and planting technologies, emphasizing agriculture as a form of social organization. He also sought proposals from Bangladesh regarding fisheries and marine economy collaboration, citing China’s leadership in fishing technologies.
The Chinese minister acknowledged the potential revival of Bangladesh’s jute sector, referencing China’s annual jute imports from Bangladesh and the possibility of growth through research and product diversification. Following the Chief Adviser’s remarks, Chinese jute traders showed interest in conducting research on Bangladesh’s jute products.
Wang Wentao emphasized the importance of research collaboration beyond business dealings, suggesting joint research efforts to enhance jute product suitability for Chinese markets. The Chief Adviser welcomed this cooperation and proposed collaboration between Bangladeshi jute product designers and Chinese experts.
Expressing gratitude, the Chief Adviser commended the Chinese minister for his supportive remarks and for bringing numerous investors to the conference. He described the minister’s speech as a significant boost for Bangladesh, with the nation closely observing the developments.
Recalling his recent visit to China, Prof Yunus mentioned fruitful discussions on bilateral trade and commerce, expressing optimism that Wang Wentao’s visit would further strengthen these ties.